Best Projector For Projection Mapping

Best Projector For Projection Mapping 2022

Projection mapping is where you use a projector to create projections not onto the usual 2D screens, but on 3D objects instead.

It provides a more engaging experience where the projections come to life. They are mostly used during events, product launches, and spaces that require lots of live entertainment like bars or music venues.

Making these monumental projections are not that hard. The 3D surfaces are scanned, and then a special software is used to skew the 2D content for them to appear perfectly on a 3D surface.

Since it is a bit different than projecting on a screen, certain points need to be considered before you can buy one. The best projector for projection mapping will be one with high brightness and an incredible resolution.

However, you have to make sure the projections are done in the dark. Otherwise, no matter how bright a projection is, it will never be enough to show up on 3D surfaces.

Top Pick

VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini Projector

VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini

  • Projection Size: 33-170 inches
  • Lamp Life: 40000 hrs
  • Connectivity: HDMI, VGA, USB, AV, TF Card, TV BOX
  • Resolution: 1920*1080

Comparison Chart For Top 10 Projector For Projection

IMAGENAME & DetailsDETAILS
VANKYO LEISURE 3
  • Luminosity: 2400 Lumens
  • Throw distance: 4.9 Feet (Minimum)
  • Resolution: 1080P
  • Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
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Meer Pico
  • Luminosity: 400 Lumens
  • Throw distance: 1-3 Meters
  • Resolution: 480×272
  • Contrast Ratio: 800:1
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GooDee
  • Luminosity: 300 ANSI Lumen
  • Throw distance: 1.5 Meters (Minimum)
  • Resolution: 1080P
  • Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
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GooDee Mini
  • Luminosity: 2800 Lumens
  • Throw distance: 0. 8-2.0 Meters
  • Resolution: 1080P
  • Contrast Ratio: 500:1
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DR. J Professional HI-04
  • Luminosity: 4500 Lumen
  • Throw distance: 1.5 Meter (Minimum)
  • Resolution: 1080P
  • Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
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DBPOWER L21
  • Luminosity: 5000 Lumen
  • Throw distance: 1-5 Meters
  • Resolution: 1080P
  • Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
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APEMAN
  • Luminosity: 3800 Lumen
  • Throw distance: 5-8 Feet
  • Resolution: 1080P
  • Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
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AZEUS RD-822
  • Luminosity: 5000 Lux
  • Throw distance: 1-5 Meters
  • Resolution: 1080P
  • Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
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YABER
  • Luminosity: 6800 Lux
  • Throw distance: 1.5 – 5.5 Meters
  • Resolution: 1080P
  • Contrast Ratio: 8000:1
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QKK QK01
  • Luminosity: 45000 Lux
  • Throw distance: 1.5-5 Meters
  • Resolution: 1080P
  • Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
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Best Projectors For Projection Mapping Reviews

1. VANKYO LEISURE 3

The VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini Projector comes with a 2400 lumen count. In terms of brightness, this is sufficient for perfect projection mapping when done in small to medium-sized spaces. But one has to ensure that these spaces have been darkened, or the lights have been turned off for the finest outcome.

This projector has a high lifetime of 40,000 hours. This means if you want to use this commercially it will last you a good while, and it will last you even longer for use in private events since the frequency of use will be lower.

The 2000:1 contrast ratio ensures that all the projections give off bright and vivid colors to create a great first impression.  It adds to the brightness to give a projection that is both bright for perfect visibility, and has deep-set colors and lines to bring them to life.

A projection distance ranging between 4.9 and 16.4 feet is needed to use this projector. This provides a lot of versatility to the device, such that one can use them in multiple sized spaces, and still receive a perfect projection.

Most projectors will heat up with use, and this one is no exception. The fan will help take care of this by dissipating the heat, which cools the device down, and lets it run for longer. But these fans can be loud at times, disrupting the event. But not here, since the fans have a suppressed noise system which makes sure you do not hear them in action. 

Highlighted Features

  • 40,000 hours LED lamp life ensures longevity of the projector
  • Comes with a projection distance of 4.9 to 16.4 feet
  • 2000:1 Contrast ratio adds depth to the projections
  • 2400 lumens provide a bright output in a dimmed atmosphere

2. Meer Projector

One of the first things we noticed about this projector from Meer is that this is a Pico projector. This means it is highly suitable for carrying, making it a must-have for event planners. You can easily carry this to multiple events to set the mood, and simply turn it off and take it back when done.

Transferring the device is a big hassle for this job. But when the device itself is this small and convenient to use, that is not something you need to worry about anymore.

The size on this is also designed for use in smaller spaces, and of course, they have to be dark as well for the finest projection mappings.

You get a brightness of 400 lumens and a contrast ratio of 800:1. These at first glance seem pretty low, but when it is used in small spaces, it can give you a bright and loud projection.

The projection distance on this is between 1 and 3 meters, which again tells us that this is suitable for small spaces and gatherings. 

Highlighted Features

  • Small size enables this to be carried to different spaces
  • 400 lumen gives bright projections in small and dark rooms
  • Requires a projection distance between 1 and 3 meters
  • High connectivity makes this a versatile projector for commercial work
  • 800:1 contrast ratio ensures vivid colors

3. GooDee Projector

The GooDee Video Projector is one that can be used in multiple spaces to entertain crowds of varying sizes. This is primarily because it comes with a large projection distance between 4.9 and 18 feet. So if you want to get large videos projected, opt for the latter end of the projection distance, and vice versa.

With 300 ANSI lumen, you might think that the brightness is not enough for projection mapping. However, this is perfectly fine for small-sized spaces as long as the area has been darkened and all the lights have been turned off, because that is the only way projection mapping can perfectly work. 

In a small space, high contrast ratios can work like magic to give you incredible loud and vivid projections and that is exactly what you get here with the 3000:1 contrast ratio. It helps to breathe life into the 2D projections to make them truly seem 3D.

To make sure that your experience with the projector is complete, it comes with a Hi-Fi Stereo Speaker built-in so it can take care of the audio requirements as well. The 3W speakers with SRS sound provide a loud audio that can perfectly complement events while projection mapping.

Highlighted Features                         

  • 300 ANSI lumen makes this suitable for smaller spaces
  • 3000:1 contrast ratio increases color depths in tighter spaces
  • Projector requires a projection distance between 4.9 and 18 feet
  • Includes two powerful speakers built in to meet audio requirements
  • Efficient fan works with a lower noise

4. GooDee Projector

Another fine projector from GooDee, this comes with a higher brightness than the last one with a 2800 lumen count. Meaning, if you liked the last projector, but want to move to a larger room you can opt for this one instead.

One more significant difference lies in the contrast ratio. Here you get 500:1. This is lower than the last one because when you are projecting in a larger space, a high contrast ratio is not required since it will not be properly visible either way.

You have to keep this projector between 0.8 and 2 meters from the screen or wall where you want to project. This projection distance also shows that this device is suited for small to medium-sized rooms for the finest projection mapping outcome.

Just like the last projector from GooDee, this too has built-in speakers which deliver powerful and clear sounds that perfectly pair with a session of bright and eventful projections.

Highlighted Features

  • 2800 lumen is suitable for projections in small-to-medium-sized spaces
  • LED light source bulb saves energy for a long-lasting projector
  • Speakers are built in to provide an excellent sound output
  • Requires a throw distance between 0.8 and 2 meters
  • 500:1 contrast ratio provides enough depth to create bold projections

5. DR. J Professional HI-04

The DR. J Professional HI-04 Projector comes with a 4500-lumen count, making it one of the brightest projectors out there. This also means you can use this in medium to large-sized spaces.

Paired with this you get a 2000:1 contrast ratio. It ensures that projections that map onto surfaces are both bright and have dimensions to them.

When you have a good projector, you want to be able to use it for a long time. For one, you pay a good price, so you want to get the maximum use out of it. But other than that, changing lamps can be very expensive, so you want to delay it as much as possible.

With the 40,000 hours lamp life, you can easily use this for a good few years with average daily use before the lamp needs changing.

Of course, if you use this commercially it will need a replacement sooner, since commercial use means a higher frequency of use daily.

Highlighted Features

  • 4500 lumen provides a lot of brightness for larger spaces
  • 3800:1 contrast ratio improves the brightness for a bold projection
  • 5 Layer LCD lens display ensures projections are crystal clear
  • Advanced fan cools the projector for higher efficiency
  • Stereo speakers are built in to take care of audio

Projector For Projection Mapping Buying Guide

Luminosity

Luminosity is without a doubt one of the most important factors when it comes to buying a projector for mapping purposes. Now, luminosity alone cannot determine how the projections come out.

One factor to keep in mind is that space must be darkened. No matter how small or big, if the space is not dark, projection mapping is practically impossible.

Now that we have that out of the way, let us get into choosing Lumen counts. The luminosity of a projector is measured in lumens. A higher Lumen number denotes a higher brightness.

Projector For Projection Mapping

In our selection here you will find that some projectors come with very high lumen counts while others have a lower count. This difference does not make one better or worse than the other, but simply makes them suitable for different sized spaces.

A larger space naturally needs more brightness and that is where you should go lumen counts above 2000. Smaller areas can do well with lumen counts of 1000 and below.

Resolution

While we can make do with an average resolution on a screen in 2D form, it becomes more important to have the finest resolution when you’re projecting onto a 3D surface.

If the projector is to be used in a small space, you can settle for a minimum of 720p resolution. For larger rooms go for a 1080PHD resolution. This will ensure that colors and details are proper and vibrant when projected on a 3D surface. 

Having clear details are very important if you want the best projection mapping projector, since the projections can get distorted on a 3D surface. Making it more important to aim for the highest resolution one can afford.

Contrast ratio

Contrast ratio is linked to the difference in brightness between the dark and light parts in a projection. The higher the contrast ratio, the better and more vibrant colors will appear on the projection.

But you keep in mind that the space itself has to be dark, otherwise, the effect from the contrast ratio will not show.

Lifespan

Lifespan is important to consider because projection mapping is not something we usually do at home. Since these are used more frequently, the lamp will likely start to dim faster as well.

This is normal with every projector, where after a certain period the lamp brightness goes down.

For commercial use, expect that the projector will be used heavily daily, meaning replacements will be needed a lot sooner than one to be used at the home. This is why you should aim for the highest lamp life you can get.

A lamp life of 50,000 hours means that after the lamp has been used for this time, the brightness will go down to half of what it initially was. This is not always the case, but a rough estimate which we can use for measurement.

Hence, the higher the lamp life, the longer one can use the lamp. This simply delays the replacement procedure, which can be very expensive as well.

Conclusion

Projection mapping is an easy way to leave a lasting impression on the audience. No matter where you use it, be it at events, fashion shows, or even small parties at home, they give a lively experience that is hard to find elsewhere.

This is why we suggest you invest a little time in finding out which is the best projector for projection mapping. And take some time to map out the area where the projector is to be placed, since that plays a big role in the decision-making process.

Once you own a projector good enough for mapping, the options of entertainment are practically endless.

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